Trophoblast-specific regulation of endocrine-related genes

Abstract

In order to increase our understanding of trophoblast-specific transcriptional controls we need to address two important concerns. First, we need to extend the number of genes investigated and the depth of the investigation on each gene. Next, we need to expand the model systems available for studying trophoblast-specific transcriptional controls. Human choriocarcinoma cell lines have been the most commonly used in vitro models. These cell populations have been valuable but are clearly limited in their applicability to all trophoblast cell lineages, especially those from nonprimate species. The Rcho-1 trophoblast cell line has proven to be a valuable model for the rodent trophoblast giant cell lineage (Soares et al., 1996). The further implementation of primary trophoblast culture models is paramount, as is the refinement of in vivo strategies for studying trophoblast-specific gene regulation.